Murderers and their Mothers Season 1 Episode 7 Robert Black: The Lone Killer
- June 26, 2016
- 46 min
In this episode of Murderers and their Mothers, we delve into the twisted mind of Robert Black, a prolific serial killer who targeted young girls in the 1980s and 90s, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Throughout the episode, we explore the events and relationships that may have contributed to his violent behavior, and examine the role that his mother may have played in shaping his disturbing worldview.
Robert Black was born in Scotland in 1947, and was raised by a strict and abusive mother who instilled in him a deep sense of shame and guilt about his own sexuality. As he grew older, he became increasingly isolated and introverted, struggling to form connections with others and retreating into a fantasy world in which he imagined himself as a powerful and dominant figure.
Despite showing signs of aggression and deviant behavior from an early age, Black managed to keep his dark impulses hidden from those around him, working as a delivery driver and living a seemingly normal life on the surface. However, behind closed doors, he was secretly stalking and abducting young girls, sometimes leaving their bodies in isolated locations as a twisted form of trophy hunting.
Throughout the episode, we hear from a range of experts and witnesses, including psychologists, criminologists, and people who knew Black personally, who shed light on the factors that may have contributed to his violent tendencies. In particular, we focus on Black's relationship with his mother, who was emotionally withdrawn and harshly critical of him throughout his childhood.
As we delve deeper into Black's past, we learn about some of the formative experiences that may have shaped his worldview, including a traumatic sexual assault he experienced as a young boy, and his mother's strict Victorian values around sex and morality. We also hear about the close relationship that he formed with his grandfather, who was the only person who showed him any warmth or affection growing up, and who may have unknowingly encouraged his violent tendencies.
Throughout the episode, we see how these different factors came together to create a perfect storm of rage and depravity, as Black embarked on a killing spree that would last for years. In particular, we explore the psychological aspects of his crimes, including the way that he used the act of kidnapping and murder as a way to exert control and dominance over his victims, and the sense of excitement and satisfaction that he derived from the planning and execution of his crimes.
Overall, this episode of Murderers and their Mothers offers a chilling insight into the mind of a lone killer, and sheds light on the complex web of social, psychological, and emotional factors that may contribute to violent behavior. Through a combination of first-hand accounts, expert analysis, and archival footage, we gain a deeper understanding of Robert Black's motivations and background, and the impact that his horrific crimes had on those around him.